Department: Universal Services
Department Head/Elected Official: Sindhu Menon
Regular or Supplemental RCA: Regular RCA
Type of Request: Financial Authorization
Project ID (if applicable):
Vendor/Entity Legal Name (if applicable):
MWDBE Contracted Goal (if applicable):
MWDBE Current Participation (if applicable):
Justification for 0% MWDBE Participation Goal: N/A - Goal not applicable to request
Request Summary (Agenda Caption):
title
Request for approval to transfer four (4) positions from Grant Fund GY23_AldinePilot and GY23_DigitalNav to General Fund 1000 effective June 15, 2024.
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Background and Discussion:
In 2023, Harris County was awarded the National Pilot Program (NPP) and the National Competitive Outreach Program (NCOP) grants by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to increase outreach, awareness, and enrollment to the Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP).
In January 2024, the FCC released a Wind-Down Order for the ACP where it formally announced that the last fully funded month for the benefit would be April 2024. Consequently, the program ceased accepting applications and funds for the NPP and NCOP grants were terminated after February 7, 2024. This request is to transfer the Digital Navigator Program, and payroll expenses after the funding termination date, to the General Fund.
Expected Impact:
The transfer of expenses to the general Fund would ensure adherence to internal financial compliance policies and allow the Universal Services Department to sustain the County's Digital Navigator Program. The Digital Navigator program will continue to help constituents in all four Commissioner Precincts access low-cost internet options.
Alternative Options:
None. Failure to transfer the Digital Navigator Program to the General Fund would increase unallowable spending and institute a sunset to the program.
Alignment with Goal(s):
_ Justice and Safety
x Economic Opportunity
_ Housing
_ Public Health
_ Transportation
_ Flooding
_ E...
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